Antisemitism is against people, not against politics. Jesus loves people. He loves Jews. Good Jews, bad Jews, every Jew.

The question of how we should meet Jews therefore leads us to the book of Genesis. In chapter 12, God declares to Abraham: „I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you.“ And from that moment on, it becomes clear that antisemitism has spiritual consequences – it brings curses with it. 

Antisemitism persecutes the Jews throughout the pages of the Bible: From slavery in Egypt to the Babylonian captivity, persecution under the Persian Empire and on to the Greek and later Roman occupation of Judea and the associated oppression of the Jewish people.

The existence of the Jews was questioned more than once. To this end, the enemy of God, Satan, used a very specific (systematic) instrument, none other than anti-Semitism. But God intervened on behalf of His people every time.

Because it was God’s original plan from the beginning to send the Messiah through the Jewish people into a world full of sin and cruelty. This was His way of bringing reconciliation and redemption to mankind. The next part of the verse in Genesis 12:3 reads: „And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.“ God gives Abraham, the first Jew, a promise of blessing for the nations.

That is why we also see in the New Testament that significant events took place among the Jews and in their land that influenced all nations for centuries. Paul, for example, says a lot about Jews and other nations in the same context: „For if their rejection is the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead?“ (Romans 11:15). Profoundly and yet simply, he makes it clear that the Jews are an essential part of God’s plan for the salvation of the nations.

The one who heals, who has compassion, who teaches truths, who performs miracles, who sacrifices everything for the lives of others, who loves – is himself a Jew.

Jesus Christ has a Jewish name – Yeshua (ישוע). He was born to a Jewish woman named Miriam and grew up in a pious Jewish home. He was the only one to fulfill the Jewish prophecies about the Messiah. Here are some examples: the suffering servant (Isaiah 53), born in a Jewish town, Bethlehem (Micah 5:2), a king who humbly rides on a donkey (Zechariah 9:9).

Jesus was often addressed as „Rabbi“ by his followers, reflecting his role as a Jewish teacher who interpreted and discussed the law (the Torah or the five books of Moses). His teachings were full of references to the Jewish scriptures (known as the Old Testament).

Jesus observed Jewish customs and traditions. He followed Jewish prayer practices, including the morning and evening prayers. As a devout Jew, Jesus made pilgrimages to Jerusalem for the major festivals. He regularly attended synagogue services on Shabbat (Luke 4:16) and taught there as well as in the temple – two central places of Jewish worship and teaching (Mark 1:21, Luke 21:37). An example of this from the Bible is that Jesus celebrated the feast of Hanukkah (temple dedication) and taught in the temple (John 10:22-23). The Last Supper is understood as a Jewish Passover meal (Seder evening) (Matthew 26:17-19, Luke 22:7-20).

No, Jesus never spoke against the Jewish people. As already mentioned, the observance of Jewish customs shows His respect for the traditions of His people.

Jesus criticized certain Pharisees and scribes for hypocrisy, legalism or neglecting deeper aspects of the law such as justice, mercy and faith (Matthew 23:23-28). This criticism was not directed against all Jewish leaders or the Jewish people, but against the behavior of certain individuals.

Throughout history, Jesus‘ words of criticism have often been misinterpreted or manipulated to justify antisemitism. But this distortion ignores the larger context of his mission, which was characterized by reconciliation and love, not division.

Jesus showed deep love and compassion for the Jewish people, lamented their suffering and longed for their reconciliation with God (Matthew 23:37).

The teachings and deeds of Jesus, as recorded in the New Testament, stand firmly against hatred, discrimination and the marginalization of people, especially the Jewish people. Jesus‘ message was therefore inherently directed against antisemitism. His life and teachings call for the recognition of humanity as such and dignity towards both Jews and all other people.

Antisemitism is not only directed against Jews, but also directly against God. The prophet Zechariah conveys very clearly the attitude of the Almighty towards those who are against the Jewish people:

„For thus says the LORD of hosts: Whoever touches you touches the apple of his eye.“ (Zechariah 2:8).

God has not forsaken his people (Romans 11:1-2). His love for the Jews echoes throughout the Bible in the writings of many biblical authors from different times.

„But Zion says, „The Lord has forsaken me, the Lord has forgotten me. Can a woman forget her little child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? Even if she forgets him, I will not forget you. Behold, I have graven thee upon my hands; thy walls are continually before me.“ (Isaiah 49:14-16).